| Cats come in a surprisingly wide variety of breeds -- over 40 are listed by the Cat Fanciers Association. Which breed will make the best pet for you and your family? The mini guide below will help you determine what kind of cat you want.
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Consider first whether you would enjoy having a vocal cat. A few cat breeds are actually quite noisy. While many cat owners welcome communications from these vocal breeds, a loud cat could be a potential problem in an apartment situation. Among the chattier breeds are the Siamese Cat, the Korat, and the Burmese. Conversely, the Scottish Fold, the Somali, and the American Curl are comparatively soft-spoken.
Lap Cat Or Loner?
Are you someone who longs for a cuddly lap cat, or would you prefer a more aloof breed with better personal boundaries? If your free time is limited, a cuddly cat that craves attention may not be best for you. Affectionate cats are usually better with children than more reserved breeds. Among the friendliest cat breeds are the Abyssinian, the Himalayan Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Snowshoe, and Tonkinese. Breeds that are less gregarious include the Russian Shorthair, the Nebelung, and the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Reserved or Inquisitive?
Do you want a cat who amuses himself quietly and won't get into constant mischief? Then the Sphynx, Siamese, Rex, Balinese, and British Angora breeds are not for you. These cats are very inquisitive and energetic. For someone who is homebound or who enjoys devoting lots of time to a pet, these cats can be a wonderful source of entertainment. The Rex, in fact, is known to become downright silly in his efforts to amuse an audience.
Short-Haired Or Long?
Temperament is only one of the many important features to consider when choosing a cat. Another key cat trait to consider is the hair length -- do you want a long-haired or short-haired breed? If you're too busy to devote time to grooming a pet, you may want to opt for a short-haired breed. That fuzzy ball of a kitten may look adorable now, but grooming an adult long-haired cat can take up plenty of time.
If you neglect your cat's coat, it can tangle and mat in the blink of an eye, right down to his skin. Such mats are uncomfortable for your cat, and can cause skin irritation. Once this happens, you may need to have the cat shaved completely, which can be traumatic for everyone involved. Cats are usually sedated for this shaving procedure, and that alone poses a health risk.
Kitten Or Adult?
Next you will need to decide whether you want a kitten, or an adult cat. For many people, 1 or 2 episodes of manic kittens climbing the drapes can send them back to the breeder. If this is not what you had in mind, then you might be happier with an adult cat who knows the rules. It's a good feeling to give an abandoned older cat a second chance.
Purebred Or Mix?
To find a particular breed of kitten, go online, or check out your local cat show. Most exhibitors have kittens for sale. If you're willing to adopt 1 of the multitude of abandoned adult cats and stray kittens that need a home, call your local humane society or animal rescue. |